By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Oct 27, 2021 at 11:02 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

After a series of events and soft opening-style previews, Interval will officially open its second cafe at the MARN Art + Culture Hub, 191 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward on Friday, Oct. 29

The cafe, which has been in the works for about two months, is a new addition for the longtime arts hub, which offers a network for folks in the creative community and offering support to nascent artists as they establish their careers. MARN relocated to the Broadway Lofts from its former space in the Marshall Building this fall.

MARN exteriorX

“Initially we committed to a courtship of sorts, providing service for a series of MARN events,” says Interval owner Ryan Hoban, noting that he wanted to be sure that the cafe would be a fit for their brand. “As we moved forward, we witnessed the true density of the population and traffic in the area. And while I’ve been very good at creating destination spots, the idea of operating a cafe in a really busy district like the Third Ward was really compelling.”

Ryan Hoban of IntervalX

Ultimately, he says, he agreed to staff the cafe, which will offer a menu of Interval coffee, beverages and a small cafe-style food menu for MARN guests.

“We are so excited to have partnered with the best local roaster, maker of coffee and friend of the arts,” says Mal Montoya, President and CEO of MARN. “We have one of the most brilliant locations here in the arts and entertainment district, and we’re excited to invite folks in to engage in the art of coffee, while also getting a taste of the work on display from local artists.”

MARN coffee barX

Coffee + art = magic

The bright spacious cafe features high ceilings and sleek modern design elements enhanced by exposed Cream City brick walls. 

The menu will include a wide variety of coffee and espresso-based beverages (from single origin espresso to lattes, Americanos and the like). But guests can also enjoy a curated selection of natural wines or a selection of spirits and house cocktails, including vermouths, amaros, mimosas and gin and tonics.

Interval CoffeeX

Housemade pastries and tartines will round out the cafe’s morning menu, with lunch options (including soups and sandwiches) rolling out as the day wears on. Bar snacks will also be available for folks who’d like to linger with drinks after 4 p.m.

Wide shot of cafeX

Guests have the option to grab a coffee (or glass of wine) and peruse the art currently on display in the area just beyond the cafe. But they are also welcome to make themselves at home thanks to a variety of seating options, from high tops at the bar or low-top tables, plus a conversational lounge-style space near the front windows. 

Lounge area at MARNX

“This is such a compelling space, in and of itself, and it’s a good match for what we do,” says Hoban. “It’s really cool to be able to be a part of the arts and entertainment district in a space that really showcases some of the best things in Milwaukee.”  

Interval at MARN opens Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 a.m. Hours moving forward will be Sunday to Wednesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.